Yoga Classes | Lucy Murray Yoga Classes

Who can attend a Yoga class?

Absolutely anybody regardless of gender, age, physical capacity or flexibility is welcome in a Yoga class, although children and pregnant women are best taught in separate classes. Previous experience is unnecessary for mixed ability classes. There are always modifications and alternatives and you will never be asked to do anything that you feel uncomfortable with. You do not need to be flexible in order to start attending yoga classes!

Current classes

What happens in Yoga classes?

Classes generally run for 90 minutes. There will be a period of centering and settling using breath awareness, followed by joint mobilisation, limbering and muscle warming. Posture work starts with simple postures and progresses to more challenging postures. There are plenty of modifications and alternative poses so that all students are able to work within safe and comfortable limits at their own pace, having time to explore their own physical limits and discover things they never knew they could do. Some postures are moving with the breath, others are static while we focus on the breathing, an idea or a physical focus. Awareness of the body and the breath whilst moving or holding poses is a fundamental part of the practice to help ensure that we work in a way that is going to be safe and beneficial, and to keep the mind engaged in its present activity. Yoga is not competitive and students are encouraged to use their own discretion to make appropriate choices to enable them to remain comfortable and steady. During a class, I will demonstrate some poses but will not practise with my students; my time is devoted to instructing and observing students, providing guidance and individual adjustment and assistance as necessary. Basic breathing practices or Pranayama (expansion of vital energy) may be included within posture work and/or practised separately. Particular hand gestures or energy locks may be employed along with visualisations. Concentration practices may be done seated on the floor or a chair, kneeling, lying down or moving, requiring the student to direct their focus in a particular way so as to reduce the impact of the many thoughts, daydreams, memories and feelings that can be so prevalent in our minds during normal waking hours. Students are often delighted to find that they are not alone in having a very busy and active mind and that there are techniques available to gain some respite from this busy-ness! Relaxation takes place lying on the floor in any comfortable position and may involve visualisation or contemplation of a concept and will often link in to basic breathing practices or concentration practices. There may be a theme that runs through all aspects of the class based on Yoga ideas and philosophy. These ideas are non-religious and accessible to all regardless of personal beliefs. After a class students often report a feeling of lightness, balance and ease. They feel energised yet relaxed, tranquil, serene and more able to focus and concentrate.

What you need to wear

Please wear clothes that are comfortable and loose or stretchy so that you will have unrestricted movement. Layers are a good idea as the body may get warm during posture work and lose heat during relaxation. Generally, Yoga practice will be undertaken with bare feet but socks can be worn for some of the practice (when it is cold) and removed when standing to avoid the risk of slipping. Jewellery and watches can sometimes get in the way, so you may wish to take these items off beforehand. If you wear glasses you may need to remove them for some practices and during relaxation; please ensure that you put them somewhere sensible, where they will be safe and where you can reach them when needed.

What you will need to bring

You will need a non-slip mat on which to work and a blanket for padding and/or warmth during relaxation. If you are trying Yoga for the first time I can lend you a mat – please call me first. We may use yoga blocks, bricks and straps from time to time so please bring them with you if you have them (used for sitting on and throughout posture work). Please come to class with a relatively empty stomach (a light meal about two hours before a class is okay) and an open mind.

Practising Yoga at home

The posture work which you will be doing in my Yoga class is carefully structured so that you move safely and comfortably. It could be dangerous to go into some of the more challenging postures without proper preparation; please be mindful of this if you practice on your own. Little and often is usually more beneficial than a long isolated session.

I am happy to advise students about their home practice. Brief questions can be answered at the end of class or you can book a private lesson for a more in-depth query.